WhatsApp, the popular messaging app, has introduced a new feature that allows users to permanently archive their chats. This feature is a game-changer for those who want to keep their chat list clean and clutter-free. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of permanently archiving WhatsApp chats, step by step.
The New Archive Feature
WhatsApp’s new archive feature functions similarly to the old archive feature, but with one major difference – you can now permanently archive chats that you want to ignore or remove from your inbox. Previously, archived chats would reappear in your active chats list if a new message was received. However, with the new “Keep chats archived” setting, you can prevent archived chats from reappearing in your inbox.
Enabling the “Keep Chats Archived” Setting
To take advantage of the ability to permanently archive WhatsApp chats, you need to enable the “Keep chats archived” setting. Follow these simple steps:
- Open WhatsApp on your Android device.
- Tap the three-dot icon in the upper right corner to access the menu.
- Go to Settings > Chats.
- Under the “Archived chats” header, enable the “Keep chats archived” option.
Once you have enabled this setting, any chats you archive will remain hidden forever, even if new messages are received. This is a great way to keep your chat list tidy and focus on the conversations that matter.
How to Permanently Archive Chats
Now that you have enabled the “Keep chats archived” setting, you can easily archive chats to keep them permanently hidden. Follow these steps:
- Long-press on a chat thread in your inbox.
- Select the “Archive” icon from the top menu.
Once you have archived a conversation, it will be moved to the “Archive” tab, which will now appear at the top of your inbox screen, next to the “Chats” tab. By doing this, you can quickly access and manage all your archived chats in one place.
Unarchiving Chats
If you ever need to access an archived chat again, you can easily unarchive it. Here’s how:
- Scroll down to the bottom of your chats list.
- Tap on the “Archived” section.
- Find the chat you want to unarchive and long-press on it.
- Select the “Unarchive” icon from the top menu.
The unarchived chat will then reappear in your main chat list, allowing you to resume the conversation as usual.
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Permanently Hiding Archived Chats on Android
By default, WhatsApp adds an “Archived” box at the top of your chats list, making it easy to access your archived chats. However, if you prefer not to see this box, you can remove it using the following steps:
- Open WhatsApp on your Android device.
- Tap on the “Archived” box located at the top of the screen.
- Tap on the three-dot icon in the top-right corner.
- Select “Archive settings.”
- Disable the “Keep chats archived” option.
By disabling this option, the “Archived” box will no longer appear at the top of your chats list. Keep in mind that if you disable this option, archived chats will no longer stay hidden when you receive new messages from those conversations.
Additional Tips and Tricks
Muting Archived Chats
Even though archived chats are hidden, you may still receive notifications for new messages in those chats. If you want to silence archived chats completely, follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp and go to the “Archived” tab.
- Long-press on the chat you want to mute.
- Tap on the “Mute” icon from the top menu.
- Choose the desired mute duration or select “Always” if you want to mute the chat indefinitely.
This way, you won’t be disturbed by notifications from archived chats, allowing you to focus on the chats that are currently active.
Searching for Archived Chats
If you have a large number of archived chats and need to find a specific conversation, WhatsApp provides a convenient search function. Here’s how to search for archived chats:
- Open WhatsApp and go to the “Chats” tab.
- Swipe down to reveal the search bar.
- Type in keywords related to the chat you are looking for.
- WhatsApp will display relevant results, including both active and archived chats.
This feature makes it easy to find specific chats, even if they are hidden in your archive.
Conclusion
WhatsApp’s new archive feature offers users the ability to permanently hide chats, providing a clutter-free chat list. With the “Keep chats archived” setting, you can ensure that archived chats remain hidden even when new messages are received. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can easily archive, unarchive, and manage your WhatsApp chats with ease. Enjoy a clean and organized chat experience with WhatsApp‘s new archive feature.
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